All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. We all go into and out of the state of mind called hypnosis through out the day. Self-hypnosis is simply learning how to enter that state of mind when you want to. Guided hypnosis or hypnotherapy is simply allowing another person to assist you in entering that sate of mind. The more you practice, the easier, quicker and deeper you will go into the trance state. Once you get good at puting yourself into hypnosis and giving yourself suggestions, you can do amazing things. For example, many people have undergone major surgeries while under self-hypnosis. I am one of many women who had natural childbirth with the help of self-hypnosis.Tips for practicing self-hypnosis:

Start by recognizing and appreciating the power of your mind! Reflect on how your thinking affects your experiences in life. If you believe that something is true, you will find evidence to support that belief. Notice your thinking, and the affect your thoughts have on your experiences.

Next, take time each day to relax your body and mind. A self-hypnosis CD is very helpful for this. Find a quiet place to lie or sit. You can begin by focusing on the different areas of your body and asking them to relax. You may move from the top of your head down to your feet, or vice versa. Once you have your body relaxed, begin to ask your mind to relax. You can even set your “internal alarm clock” to ring in, say, 20 minutes, to give you some time to enjoy the relaxed state without worrying about the time. You can also set a real alarm clock, and see how close you get with your internal clock; you may be surprised by how accurate your internal clock is! This allows your conscious mind to relax and drift, which gives you access to your subconscious mind. This is the trickiest part, because the goal is to disengage the conscious mind, but if you have to think too much, it will stay active. (This is why it is helpful to see a hypnotherapist who is there to direct your conscious mind, simply because then you don't have to think about it!) Though, you can definitely enter hypnosis by yourself with practice!

Pick one topic or theme to give yourself suggestions about at a time. A suggestion is an idea or phrase that tells your mind/body what to think and/or do. It is alway phrased in a positive way in present tense. For example, if you are stressed out, and need to clam down you DO NOT suggest "I will not be angry and tense at work tomorrow". That is saying what you don't want in the future, it is not a powerful statement or suggestion. A powerful suggestion might be something like, "I am now calm and peaceful. I find it easy to stay relaxed and focused no matter what is happening around me. My mind is at ease, my body is at ease. I have clear thinking that allows me to solve problems". Stick to the same topic for at least 21 days.

Pay attention! Your mind will respond by sending you messages and insights to support your new thinking. Pay attention to what is "coming up" from your subconscious mind. You may be getting messages from your dreams, your daydreams, and even your environment. Watch for seemingly serendipitous insights and events. There is no such thing as a coincidence. The universe is conspiring to give you everything you are asking for in life! All the more reason to be aware and careful about what you are asking for!!